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College Accreditation

Learn about the accreditation of higher education institutions

Accreditation ensures that institutions of higher education meet acceptable levels of quality.  In the United States accreditation involves non-governmental entities as well as federal and state government agencies. Explore the resources below to understand accreditation and the differences between accredited or unaccredited institutions.

Accreditation overview

Find information about accreditation and see the latest information from ED about accreditation.

Accreditation in the United States

The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality.

Functions of Accreditation

In order to insure a basic level of quality, the practice of accreditation arose in the United States.

Part 602: Recognition of Accrediting Agencies

The procedures and criteria for recognizing accrediting agencies are contained in Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Diploma Mills and Accreditation

Diploma mills are schools that are more interested in taking your money than providing you with a quality education.

A wall of books in a library.

Find accredited schools

Access a database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs as reported to the U.S. Department of Education by accrediting agencies and state approval agencies. 

 

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Page Last Reviewed:
September 13, 2024